DIGEST AND DETOX FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Oh the holidays! You either love them or hate them. There is rarely any gray area. But one thing is almost certain, everybody feels sluggish after the holidays are over. And, most people feel the same way about dieting as they do about the holidays themselves, either you love them or you hate them. So why not talk about how to digest your food instead of dieting through the holidays. Seems a little easier to handle. So let’s explore some ways to weather the gluttony storm descending upon us
1. GREEN TEA WITH GINGER.
Green tea is becoming more popular in the West, but it has been used in areas such as Asia for centuries. Green tea with ginger is thought to increase digestion, so it helps soothe your belly and burn calories just by ingesting it. I recommend drinking up to one liter a day (yep you heard me – 1 liter!) This will keep you hydrated without the bloating effect of normal water.
2. THE E WORD.
Yes, we know. UGH! Exercise. The key here is don’t do nothing! Many of you are not a fan of going to the gym and that’s ok. Exercising doesn’t have to be something you dread though. You can get a decent workout in the comfort of your own home. Yoga is much harder than it looks and it can work up a sweat too. Tai chi and qigong are also great ways to lose weight without putting lots of impact on your ankles, knees and hips. Choose something, choose anything, and do it for a minute. Then repeat
3. TRY ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Activated charcoal has become a wonder ingredient of late. You can wash your face with it, brush your teeth with it, and yes, you can swallow it in a pill too. For those with food sensitivities, I recommend taking 2 capsules after any meal you haven’t made yourself. That includes eating out at a restaurant or your grandma’s house for Christmas. Charcoal has a detoxing effect on the body, by bonding to harmful toxins and purging them in the stool. And don’t worry, it won’t give you the runs.
4. SIT IN A SAUNA.
Saunas and steam rooms are great for shedding a couple of extra pounds of water weight. But they can also help your body to detox by sweating out the toxins. Going for a couple of days after the holidays might be just what you need to kick start the rest of your detoxification plan.
5. TAKE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES.
One way to assist your body after indulging in the bounty of holiday meals is to take digestive enzymes. Your pancreas makes these naturally but some of us could use a boost, especially if your digestion is not at its best. My favorite is one by Rainbow Light called Advanced Enzyme System.
6. AMP UP YOUR ANTIOXIDANTS.
We all need the vitamins and nutrients found in wholesome-organic vegetables. And what better time to boost those nutrients than right after the holidays? Green vegetables are best. Things like kale and romaine lettuce are loaded with valuable nutrients. Also, things like onions and garlic will help eliminate any residual toxins in your system.
7. GET POKED.
Believe it or not, acupuncture can help you detox. There is a whole system called the NADA system that is specifically designed to help people detox. It can help with alcohol and smoking, as well as weight issues. And it’s only a few little needles in the ears. Typically, you will need to go through several sessions, but you’ll be amazed at the way you feel afterward.
These are just a few of the many ways to help you detox after the crazy holiday season. There are many other ways out there too, including doing a full-on cleanse program. You just have to find what works best for you and go for it. But one thing is certain, you will definitely feel better after ridding your body of the toxins and getting back to a normal routine. There’s no better time than now.
